Rebecca Smith A.S.K  C.M.H. C.Hyp  P.N.L.P
Systematic Kinesiologist, Hypnotherapist, Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming
7, Barclays Bank Chambers, High Street, Newport, Shropshire.  TF10 7AU
Phone: 01952 813348 Mobile: 07976 819938 Web: www.newportcomplementaryhealthclinic.co.uk

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Gut Feeling – There’s No Need to Suffer

Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat…… Oh yes, it’s that time of year again when all our good intentions of healthy eating go up the chimney!  We just can’t help ourselves can we?   With socialising, relaxing and the obligatory over indulgence of rich foods and alcohol being the norm, how can we possibly say “no”?

Often this merriment will do no more than add a few inches to the waistline and force us to make New Year resolutions including the words “gym” and “lose weight”!  The truth of the matter is that we don’t have to say no all the time, just don’t say yes too often.

However for some, in-fact tens of thousands of the population, this over indulgence causes regular discomfort that lasts way past the festive period and into the months ahead.  Many people are plagued all year long with digestion symptoms, with the rich delicacies of Christmas exacerbating the problem.

Symptoms in the form of acid indigestion, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation, diarrhoea or stomach pain are all commonly reported.  For those who suffer, there is little treatment available that fixes the problem totally.  Through regular use of medication, the symptoms can be eased, however as soon as the drugs are stopped, the problems re occur.

The answer is to prevent the problem rather than trying to fix it.  You will then feel healthier, fitter and have more money in your pocket.

A widespread problem, much more than we realise is a condition called Hypochlorhydria, where the stomach does not produce sufficient hydrochloric acid (HCI).  The stomach has dedicated cells in its wall that produce this acid, a major requirement for food digestion.  As we get older, the number and potency of these cells diminish, often reaching a stage where food digestion is inappropriate, causing symptoms listed above.

One result of this is that improperly digested food passes through the gastro-intestinal tract, causing the immune system to literally “freak out” and amongst other things, causes food intolerances and allergies to develop.

The lay persons approach is to purchase antacids to reduce stomach acid.  Millions of pounds are handed over the counters of the nation’s chemists by people suffering indigestion, purchasing alkaline products to resolve a problem that is often caused by not enough acid in the 1^st place!  The drug companies producing this type of medication must be rubbing their hands with glee!

The discomforting symptoms of too much or too little stomach acid are the same.  You cannot know necessarily whether the discomfort you feel is due too much acid or not enough, unless you get tested by a Kinesiologist.

So how can you help yourself?

• Be excited by the food on your plate!  The digestion process starts with the eye, with saliva being produced in anticipation of what is coming.  Does your food excite you?
• Be aware of your chewing habits, very few people chew their food properly. Eat slowly to aid digestion.
• Eat when the mind is tranquil and at ease.  Most families choose mealtimes as their discussion and dispute time.  Great to sit around a table together, but digestion can not be complete when our stomachs are churned and upset.
• Sit tall while you eat and don’t slump in a chair after eating.  Try a gentle walk instead.
• Drinking with meals dilutes the digestive juices which need to be strong, so drink before or after meals.
• Vitamin supplements should be considered but check with a Kinesiologist first due to contra-indications.

Kinesiology addresses the cause of the problem and helps to ease the workload placed on the digestive system, so the body can return to a more balanced state.

So it doesn’t mean we have to no to all the festive goodies this season, merely cut down and observe the recommendations above.  It is within your interests to make the necessary changes.  Do this and you can have your cake and eat it!

Rebecca Smith